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Monday, June 8, 2009

About my Euphorbia Plant

I bought my euphorbia plant last February 2008 for the flower pots in front of our house. I chose this kind of plant because summer days are coming and I have learned from my co-teachers that these relatives of cactus grows best in sunny and dry places. Another thing that I consider in buying euphorbia is its low maintenance characteristics. It doesn’t require full attention and even watering is not on regular basis. Another is because it is always in full bloom most of the time.

Upon choosing the euphorbia I pick the ones with bright red color-flowers. It’s like red roses from a far. The flowers are very attractive and the plants look healthy. The sales man said it is a hybrid. I also bought 2 packs of complete fertilizers. The gardener said it would also help improve the flowering of my plant.

The family Euphorbiaceae is large with about 8,100 species found throughout the world, excepting the Arctic region. Euphorbia itself is a very large genus with over 2000 species. They are characterised by having a milky latex which can cause burns and indeed some may be carcinogenic. The xerophytic species most often have spines and our plant this month - Euphorbia milii var splendens - is no exception. Surprisingly, since it does not need too much watering and, especially the fact that it flowers most of the year, but particularly in the winter months, it has become a cherished house plant for sunny dry situations.

Euphorbia milii var splendens, commonly called Crown of Thorns, is a straggly, spiny shrub bearing bright red bracts and, given a chance, will grow to 2m. Euphorbia milii was named by Des Moulins in 1826 and, while not a succulent, can withstand long dry periods when the plants will shed their leaves. The stems are furrowed and furnished with stout, tapering spines about 2cm long. The leaves occur at the top of the shoots and the branched inflorescences grow from the leaf axils. The variety splendens is simply a larger form than the species itself and occurs naturally. In fact there is considerable variation in the wild in south-west Madagascar and several have been named, including a yellow flowered form, also grown for the pot plant industry.

Of course, the related Poinsettia - Euphorbia pulcherrima - from Mexico, is a major player in the Christmas pot plant industry. These will be on sale from the Friends in December.

Many of the African species of Euphorbia have developed in parallel evolution with the Cactaceae of the Americas. This can be seen in the two borders of the Xerophytic (Succulent) House. (The information board explains the details.) Euphorbia milii var splendens has been pot grown at the Garden for many decades and was planted in the African border when the glasshouse was redesigned about 20 years ago.

Cultivation.Euphorbia milii var splendens demands a bright, sunny situation and, while it can withstand temperatures as low as 45'F (7.5'C), it is best not to let the temperature fall below 50'F (10'C). A well drained compost is essential, for the roots will not tolerate soggy conditions. In fact the plants are better kept drier in the winter time.

Propagation.Summer cuttings of the current years growth taken about May or June will root in heat. When taking the cuttings it is best to dip the cut ends in charcoal to stop the latex flow before inserting into a sandy compost.

Position.Euphorbia milii var splendens is growing in the Xerophytic House on the right at the entrance from the Corridor.

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The Artist

At last! I safely landed here at planet Blogspot! Rolly B. Caidic here, 23 years old from Paete, Laguna. I come in peace!
Yes I am alive and I am a very busy human teaching Biology for second year students at Lumban National High School, Lumban, Laguna. I also teach computer and values education (and yes I have values! hehe).
Yes I have a brain and it is working. My three-year teaching experiences are evidence for my cranial outputs.
Yes! I don’t just use my brain to watch TV. I am taking up DST course so that I may use it into more purposeful and humanitarian reasons. I am looking forward for more exciting adventures in this planet.